Mitsubishi Electric has announced that it has developed the BLEnDer ICE battery powered wireless communication terminal for use in sensor networks to collect gas and water meter data and remotely control sensors in the networks

2) Wide-area network connectivity for T

his terminal will enable meters to be automatically read and both monitored

and controlled remotely to achieve greater efficiency in the maintenance operations of utilities and infrastructure operators. Various tests conducted so far have demonstrated that the terminal operates and communicates stably in the field. BLEnDer (short for Bid Liaison and

Energy Dispatcher) is a packaged software developed by Mitsubishi Electric in response to the changes in the power industry and support utilities to realise smarter and more efficient operations. The BLEnDer Intelligent Communication Edge

(ICE) terminal will work together with the BLEnDer HE (Head End) software which manages and controls smart meters through various communication methods and the BLEnDer MESH software which utilises wireless multi-hop communication to realise a wide range smart meter communication network at a low cost. Key features of BLEnDer ICE include: 1) Common interface enables connection

with diverse meters and sensors: The BLEnDer ICE terminal supports standard communication interfaces to ensure connectivity with not only gas and water meters but also various sensing equipment

remote control, monitoring and metering: By using low cost sub-GHz wireless communication which does not require a special license or a designated specialist to connect with, not only is the ICE terminal suited for smart meter networks, it is capable of expanding existing communication networks. This will enable new services such as automated meter reading and infrastructure equipment monitor and control through sensors at a low cost 3) Battery operation for unassisted

operation up to ten years: Since no external power supply is required, the BLEnDer ICE battery powered terminal can be installed anywhere, including meters in locations where power supply is difficult. Depending on usage conditions and the environment, it should be possible to use the device for up to ten years, which is the lifespan of most meters.

A new digital tool will make it easier and more convenient for businesses to comply with energy and carbon reporting rules. The Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) taxonomy allows businesses to report their energy and carbon data when they file digital accounts with Companies House

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he taxonomy has been developed by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC)

in collaboration with Companies House and the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and enables businesses to report information in XBRL format. Many companies already submit accounts using XBRL, but this is the first time it has been utilised to capture environmental data in annual reports. SECR legislation, which came into force

on 1 April 2019, requires all large UK companies and large LLPs, as well as all quoted companies, to report on their

28 SPRING 2019 | ENERGY MANAGEMENT

annual energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency actions they have taken. Other businesses can also include the disclosures on a voluntary basis. Companies House and the FRC are

responsible for ensuring businesses comply with the SECR reporting requirements. Director of digital at Companies House,

Ross Maude, said: “This is a fantastic example of cross-government working to deliver a digital service that addresses an important issue. Understanding the role businesses have in reducing energy and carbon emissions is central to delivering

the UK’s ambition to reach net zero by 2050. Through effective collaboration, we can make it easier for businesses to play their part.” Project director for taxonomies at the

FRC, Jennifer Guest, says: “Enabling companies to file their SECR reports digitally within their annual financial report is an important step in improving transparency of companies’ energy reporting.”